Banksia interifolia is one of many Australian healing plants. I learned about it during my PhD research when I was creating art with medicinal plants of Minjerribah / North Stradbroke Island in Queensland Australia, in consultations with members of the Quandamooka community.

I created this image with the plant's leaves and flower, using my biochrome process of image making, which fuses both: organic and photographic materials over several weeks. A collaboration with nature.

Banksia interifolia, also known as coast banksia, grows along South-East Queensland, and can be also found in other places in Australia.

Banksia's flowers are full of sweet nectar, a source of vitamin C. When soaked in water they can be used to make soothing syrup to treat sore throat and colds, or into refreshing drinks.

More info about its uses is available from sources on bush tucker and medicinal plants publications, such as:

The Flora of North Stradbroke Island, by Kathy Stephens and Donovan Sharpe. Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland Herbarium, Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders in Council, and Consolidated Rutile Limited, 2009.

Bush Medicine, by Jan Sked, Pine Rivers, Qld: Society for Growing Australian Plants.1999.

This artwork is one of many I created during my PhD studio research. My Medicinal Plant Cycles series draws on natural science and extensive consultations and discussions with members of the Quandamooka community of Minjerribah / North Stradbroke Island in Queensland. The focus on Minjerribah medicinal plants aims to promote the recognition, appreciation, and value of local medicinal plants in the context of Aboriginal knowledge and natural science.